Wow! What a week. As many of you know I was recently elected as a delegate (alternate) for this year’s National Democratic Convention. Since I am a delegate, I had to travel up to Sacramento this weekend to get all the information on exactly what and how we are supposed to operate as a delegate. It really was exciting. To be in a room with other impassioned Democrats determined to get Barack Obama over the top and into the seat as the Democratic Nominee was very inspirational.

Furthermore, it was exciting to meet individuals who have done so much not only for Obama but for the Democratic Party to insure that we get rid of the Republican leadership that currently has this country so far off course. People who truly are passionate about the party but also passionate about this country. It was surprising to meet an African American woman who was elected as the Obama Delegate from Orange County—not only Orange County but Newport Beach, Irvine Orange County, who beat out the current mayor to win the seat. I also met an African American woman who was elected to represent Santa Cruz and Monterey County, as well as other very White cities who have prominent African Americans stepping up and representing these communities.

I discuss all of this because as we head out of the primary season and into the real deal general elections, America’s progressiveness is really going to be on blast. West Virginia and Kentucky have already proven that they are not ready to step up and bridge the gap between color lines. But Oregon, Montana and other traditionally White states have stepped up and forced us to believe that maybe, just maybe, American is ready to take this step.

We will see. But in order to take this step we have to vote, we have to be engaged in the process. If there is anyone you know who says that if their candidate is not elected they are not going to vote or that they are going to vote for the other side (John McCain….. Please!) you have to step up and tell them stop trippin’. Don’t accept that game, because in the end they/we will all be sorry for taking that approach.

I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would see an African American nominee in my lifetime. I know my parents never thought they would, and I know my grandmother never thought she would, but in the end we are seeing just that. So we have to get more impassioned than ever. We must get fired up, we must get active and we cannot accept anything but full throttled commitment. Barack Obama has inspired a nation, and as a result, as inspired me and mine individually. Lets not let him down, lets not sleep on what the goal is and lets not sleep on being satisfied to just win the nomination. The goal is never to make it to the finals. The goal is always to win the Championship (The Championship is called the Presidency). So I say to all of you GO FOR IT! I will, I am in it and I am sure you all are too.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really want your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to “Talk to Danny.” God Bless You, Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. President & Executive Editor